The two large Californian public funds, CalPERS and CalSTRS, recently collaborated to help develop a new digital resource dedicated to finding untapped diverse talent to serve on corporate boards. Director of corporate governance at CalSTRS, Anne Sheehan (pictured), discusses the need for such a resource, and why collaboration is such a key component of corporate governance.
PGGM targets social added-value
PGGM will make targeted ESG investments in all investment categories in 2011, and complete research into the social added-value of those investments, which may also lead to a model to screen the entire portfolio for a sustainable return, according to its annual responsible investment report.
CalPERS commits to defined benefit
A set of 12 federal legislative policy priorities adopted by the board of CalPERS underpins the fund’s commitment to preserving defined benefit plans, and positions the fund firmly in the defined benefit camp in the debate over pension design.
Derivatives cut both ways … even in experienced hands
There is still a degree of bad taste in the mouths of trustees when it comes to the use of derivatives in pension fund management, but some funds that have embraced the investment tools, such as HOOPP in Canada, are now reaping the benefits.
European challenges inflate allocation concerns
Investors’ increasing expectation of inflation risk in Europe, coupled with monetary policy implementation challenges at the European Central Bank, is an argument for a greater allocation to strategies that perform well in inflationary markets, according to a research note by AQR Capital Management.
Securities body ramps up risk surveillance
Securities watchdog, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), has revamped its structure to better identify market risks and develop regulatory standards for capital markets.
